SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, and Command Sergeant Major Davor Petek, Allied Command Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL), met with senior political and military leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

During the visit, General Scaparrotti met with President Ivanić and members of the Presidency to discuss the way forward in building capacities essential to achieving Bosnia and Herzegovina's long-term security, as well as full integration into the Euro-Atlantic system.

"I would like to emphasise the progress Bosnia and Herzegovina has made on key requirements such as the Defence Review and the registration of defence properties, on its path towards full NATO membership," said Scaparrotti. "It is important to bring these to the finish line by the established deadline," he added.

While in Sarajevo, General Scaparrotti was able to take the opportunity to talk with the Minister of Defence, Marina Pendeš about Bosnia and Herzgovina's contributions to the Alliance and concerns in the region.

"I want to thank the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina for their active support to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan and the other work with Allies and partner countries in many other areas," said Scaparrotti.

Finally, General Scaparrotti met with Major General Friedrich Schrötter, Commander European Union Force Althea before addressing the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo command teams. While speaking to the command teams, SACEUR and CSEL stressed the significant importance of the command team relationship and role of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps. SACEUR and CSEL were also briefed on the ongoing initiatives of the NCO Corps development in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.